Budgeting for your yearly travel means taking a close look at your finances.  Choosing between the graduation of a grandchild on the other side of the country and the destination wedding of your cousin on the lush tropical beach you’ve always dreamed of visiting can lead to sleepless night.  It’s like that saying that goes, “the purse tells all.”  And sometimes, it says, “you ain’t going nowhere.” 

 Well, relax.  Even when you’re poor as dirt, there are ways to get out of your rut and hit the road.  You just have to plan very carefully and use all the discounts you can score.

First, use a reliable service that can help you avoid costly scheduling mistakes like buying a ticket at peak season, when the same trip can be enjoyed at a more reasonable time of the year.  Or planning a relaxing siesta on the beach, and not factoring in the road choking traffic, and utter chaos of Spring Break.

Choosing your lodging accommodations is just as important.  You might want the luxury room service of a 5 star hotel, but need the reality of a good old microwave and mini-fridge you find in a motor inn.  Remember, you can’t expect room service to heat your leftovers.

Many families have found solid value in Travelodge over the years and always start their search for lodging with their properties.  If you’re like many, you’ve tried those specialty hotel booking sites, but found the links confusing.  Seems you’re always getting routed to a booking service and not the front desk of the place you want.  You’ll be happy to know that there’s a Groupon Coupon available that offers bonus points, airline miles and perks like Wyndham rewards.  And since the coupon is online, it’s easy to apply to the exact property you’re looking for.

If you’re traveling with a member of AARP, they can get a generous 20% discount with a Groupon coupon and that’s a great way to go.  Before you know it, the points you earn, even the bonus 2,000 points, add up quickly and can earn a night in posh digs.  And you can do your happy dance at the beach.